NCDC STAFF
Greg Heffernan
General Manager
Mobile: (440) 666-7662
Email: greg@ctchiefs.com
Todd Bjorkstrand
Head Coach
Email: toddbjorkstrand@gmail.com
TRENT SAMUELS-THOMAS
Director of Player Personnel
Mobile: (860) 989-9362
Email: trent@ctchiefs.com
Brandon Johnson
President
Mobile: (860) 614-9480
Email: bej@ctchiefs.com
CONTACt US!
BIOS
Greg Heffernan
In a move that signals strong momentum for the future of the CT Chiefs, veteran bench boss Greg Heffernan is reuniting with the organization after a brief stint with the Nor’Easter following a sale of CT Chiefs EHL Franchise last season. With a legacy of success and development at nearly every level of the game, Heffernan brings both stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the Chiefs’ junior program.
During his four-year run as a GM and Head Coach in junior hockey, Heffernan etched his name into franchise history—leading teams to the two highest win totals on record. Even more impressive has been his unmatched ability to advance players to the next level. Over the past four seasons, more than 70 of his players have committed to NCAA programs, consistently averaging over 10 commitments per year. It’s a testament to both his deep network of college coaches and his unwavering commitment to player development.
Before his time in junior hockey, Heffernan spent over a decade behind the bench at Western New England University (WNE), where he served as the head coach of the NCAA Division III men’s program. Under his leadership, WNE posted its best winning percentage since 1995 and made multiple playoff appearances—including a memorable run to the ECAC Northeast Semifinals. The program reached new heights in consistency during his tenure, making the playoffs more often than under any previous coach in school history.
Heffernan's coaching résumé also includes key stints as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at SUNY Fredonia, where he helped guide the Blue Devils to a SUNYAC championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2007, and as head coach of the U18 AAA Cleveland Barons, leading them to back-to-back Ohio state titles.
His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at NCAA Division I Mercyhurst University, where the Lakers captured the MAAC title and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament in 2003.
Heffernan, a former pro defenseman, played in both the United Hockey League (UHL) and Quebec Semi-Pro Hockey League (QSPHL) before transitioning behind the bench. A native of Montreal, he holds degrees from Concordia University, Mercyhurst, and Western New England, combining an academic background in economics, leadership, and business with his on-ice experience.
CT Chiefs President Brandon Johnson sees Heffernan’s return as a cornerstone moment for the program.
“Greg has a contagious aura of optimism and positivity that’s required to build a culture of winning and for player development,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for the future of the Chiefs and especially for our players who I believe will benefit the most from Greg’s coaching and mentorship. Greg will be able to help them all take the next step in living their hockey dreams.”
With a decorated past and a forward-looking mindset, Heffernan’s return to the Chiefs isn’t just a homecoming—it’s a launchpad for the next chapter of excellence.
Todd Bjorkstrand
Todd Bjorkstrand brings decades of high-level playing and coaching experience to the bench, with a résumé that spans North America and Europe at the professional, junior, and national-team levels.
As a player, Bjorkstrand competed at the NCAA level before embarking on a long and highly successful professional career in Europe. He became a cornerstone of the Herning Blue Fox organization in Denmark, where he played for 14 seasons and established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Danish hockey history. During his playing career, he helped lead Herning to multiple Danish championships and earned recognition as one of the league’s most impactful forwards.
Following his retirement as a player, Bjorkstrand transitioned directly into coaching, serving as Head Coach of the Herning Blue Fox for more than a decade. Under his leadership, the club captured multiple Danish championships and consistently competed at the top of the league. His coaching career has also included head coaching roles in Austria, Norway, and Slovakia, as well as leadership positions within the Danish national team program.
Bjorkstrand is widely respected for his emphasis on player development, structure, and accountability. His experience coaching at the professional and international levels provides players with a clear development pathway built on strong fundamentals, hockey IQ, and preparation for advancement to higher levels of the game.
Trent Samuels-Thomas
In the world of hockey, few names command as much respect as Coach Trent Samuels-Thomas. With a track record that speaks volumes about his dedication to the game, Samuels-Thomas is a Certified Power Skating Instructor and Skills Instructor renowned for his work with players at every level of the sport. He is currently the 18U/16U Director of the CT Chiefs.
As a player, Samuels-Thomas himself climbed the ranks, reaching the pinnacle of Canadian Junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). His journey also included a season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs before he returned to the United States to make his mark in Tier-1 Junior hockey with both The Des Moines Buccaneers and The Omaha Lancers in the USHL.
In his debut season with Des Moines, he showcased his scoring prowess, notching 15 goals and 17 assists in 58 games. One standout moment in his career was being part of the historic first-ever outdoor game in the USHL while donning the Lancers jersey. In a game of such magnitude, Samuels-Thomas delivered two crucial assists, contributing to a memorable 4-2 victory against the Lincoln Stars in 2013.
After an illustrious career in the USHL and Major Junior hockey, Samuels-Thomas transitioned seamlessly into the NCAA DIII ranks, donning the Utica Pioneers jersey. Today, his focus is on shaping the next generation of hockey talent, carrying forward the invaluable experiences and expertise he gained throughout his journey in the sport. Coach Trent Samuels-Thomas is a true hockey luminary, committed to propelling the stars of tomorrow towards their ultimate goals.
Yvon "Ike" Corriveau
Coach Corriveau continues to lead the CT Chiefs with 20 years of professional hockey experience including 1200 games from 1985 – 2005.
A first round draft pick in 1985 by the Washington Capitals, Ike played 360 regular season NHL games with the Washington Capitals, the Hartford Whalers and the San Jose Sharks.
Adding to that experience, he also participated in 50 NHL playoff games. In addition, he played 430 regular season games in the IHL and AHL, being part of teams that won both the Calder Cup and Turner Cup. He continued his career in Europe, playing in over 400 games in the DEL (Deutsche Elite League) in Berlin, Germany.
As a Major Junior A player, he played with the Toronto Marlies (OHL), and was a member of Team Canada, highlighted in the World Junior Championship in Piestany, Czechoslovakia alongside fan favorites Brendan Shanahan, Pierre Turgeon, Steve Chiasson, Theron Fluery, and Jimmy Waite.
Since his retirement in 2005, Ike successfully transitioned into a top youth coach. In the spring of 2010 Ike led a very talented 1997 team to its first appearance at the USA Hockey National Championships. These past two seasons Ike has led the U18 Mid Fairfield Chiefs to two back to back appearances at the USA Hockey National Championships and winning the 2017 U18 National Championship. During his tenure as Director of Player Development, Ike has been instrumental in guiding numerous CT Chiefs to Prep, Junior, & College hockey.